Google Maps surges to the top spot on Apple App Store's free app list in just 7 hours

Google Maps surges to the top spot on Apple App Store's free app list in just 7 hours

Posted:13 Dec 2012, 08:29, by Victor H.

Google Maps for iPhone has just become the most popular free application on the App Store, merely 7 hours after it launched on Apple’s catalog. The free Google Maps has gotten a brilliant 4.5 out of 5 five stars rating, and being adopted so quickly by iPhone users is also telling.

We have just wrapped up our in-depth comparison of Google Maps vs Apple Maps, and we have found plenty of good reasons to switch to Google’s application right away.

Google Maps has outranked Apple’s own '12 Days of Christmas' promo app, and even apps like 'Angry Birds: Star Wars.'

If we had to narrow it down to the most important features, Google’s application stands out with its great gesture-based interface, public transit directions, Street View and of course a much better developed backend of points of interest and places.

Google has also brought an SDK with Maps, so that developers can integrate it with their own applications.

Hahaha. I think you gave a great example of false equivalence. If Google had dropped GIPNETIX GAMES from JB where previously it had been offered on Android ICS and earlier, your analogy MIGHT be applicable.

Apple didn't have a choice but to change their Map app. Google wouldn't allow them to use vector based graphics and wouldn't allow them to use turn by turn directions. If google wanted to stay in the first place they should have allowed these changes. But when google restricts what features Apple can use in their app that pulls google data (which is their right to do) you can't blame Apple for looking elsewhere.

The old app was developed by Apple using Google data and their agreement with Apple prohibited Apple from implementing these features. I'm not saying Google should or shouldn't have allowed it - that was a business choice for them to make - but it was features Apple wanted, Google wouldn't work with them on those features so they went elsewhere to get the data they needed so they could implement those features.

this way, the app is all Google ....better off for Google in the long run not having their software integrated with boring old iOS. Because of Google's rep, they can just make the software for the app store and APPLE users will then have a choice ('gasp') of which maps to use - just like Android users do. Obviously, APPLE users prefer Google quite a bit.

Apple and Tim Cook got eggs all over their faces when Cook made a public apology and essentially admitted Apple made a mistake when it Booted Google maps and try to do it's own mapping app that failed terribly ( cost a Apple exec his Job too). Today also adds more Eggs to Apples and Tim Cook's face again as it shows that Apple users can think and exercise their own opinions and not have Apple always dictate to them what they need and should have. The Apple users have spoken loud and clear and Apple has heard. This is a win for the iPhone users and like it or not a Big win for Google's strategy of being everywhere and on every device.

Is Apple the first company to make a mistake on a product. No. If I was Tim Cook, I would have made a deal with TomTom and gave free downloads of TomTom's app. That would have smooth everything out on the spot.

LOL and not a huge surprise. Apple was so dumb to make its own map app in the first place and further more to ditch it now they are paying the price. Just to show you how Apple is no longer a good company with good ideas and falling short on apps.

Again this not about winning or failing for neither Apple nor Google ... It's about us consumer..... Thank you Google for that beautiful Google Map App...that application is better in terms of design compared to the Android build, which has been adding features over time by way of cluttering menus with new items.
already the much-expected software has surged to become the top free iPhone app on the App Store. This just goes to illustrate that competition is a good thing and how eager people have been to have that native mapping experience from Google on their iPhones... :-)

You know it is bad for APPLE with their awesome 'maps' when as soon as Google releases theirs on iOS - it goes to the top. People want reliable not just because it is from APPLE. The 'just because it is APPLE' marketing and development for APPLE is not working any longer.

Apple should learn something from this experience and apply the lesson to a revamp of iOS. The UI is just so... 2007. I wonder how the iOS community would respond to a new (and truly improved) UI? Based on the response to gMaps, I suspect it would be at the top of the download list, too.

All content (phone reviews, news, specs, info), design and layouts are Copyright 2001-2015 phoneArena.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or in any form or medium without written permission is prohibited! Privacy . Terms of use . Cookies . Team